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Joys That Never Weary

A gorgeous combination of Australian song-writing talent and Scottish heritage, with Rebecca Wright on vocals, guitar and cello and Donald McKay on vocals, requinto guitar and bodhran presenting beautiful arrangements of traditional and contemporary folk

ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

Rebecca and Donald’s music has been likened to that of a good Scotch whisky: delightfully smooth, full of character and highly addictive. With voices that can instantly transport you to another place and time, Donald’s traditional and original songs from his native Scotland are beautifully complemented by Rebecca’s insightful Australian originals and thoughtful selection of contemporary gems. Accompanied by requinto, cello, acoustic guitar and bodhran, their songs promise something out of the ordinary and bring you back to the heart of folk.

Their first album, "Joys that never weary", is a delightful collection of songs old and new, truthfully recorded live in Kyoti Studio in Glasgow by Mark Freegard (Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine, Del Amitri).

"Any CD that mentions the two main necessities of life, hugs and chocolate cake, is a must to have in your collection." Mal Lloyd, The Folk Rag

Full Album Review - The Folk Rag, Sept 2012 - by Mal Lloyd This album opens somewhat biographically with the traditional song “Leezie Lindsay”. The first verse has Donald McKay asking Rebecca Wright…umm…sorry, Leezie, to be his wife. Donald’s rich strong voice gives full credibility to his claim to be “a chieftain of highest degree.” In her characteristically clear tones Rebecca replies that this couldn’t possibly happen, but of course we now know she didn’t mean that. As they join in the chorus we are treated to their beautiful harmonies. These are two voices that each have their own distinctive character but blend perfectly.

The second song, “Baking Bread”, was written by Michael Kennedy but I felt that the sentiments being voiced could easily be Rebecca’s own. Taking that along with Rebecca’s “Today’s the Day”, which reveals some of the angst of a writer, and “Real this time”, one of her earlier compositions, I sensed that I was being invited into the singers’ home to share a little of their daily life. It was only after that recognition that I read Rebecca’s own wish in the CD cover – “This album hopefully captures some of the joy and spirit of the beginning of our journey together…..”. Yes Rebecca, I believe that it does.

Other tracks take us through laughter, quiet reflection, and a rollicking shanty written by Donald with additional vocals by Cloudstreet.

The instrumental accompaniment never intrudes upon the voices but it is well worth paying attention to. Donald plays a Spanish requinto guitar which gives a subtly different sound to that most often heard in British/Australian folk music. His accomplished bodhran playing is also distinctive. Rebecca adds her own skilled guitar picking and of course the glorious cello.

Any CD that mentions the two main necessities of life, hugs and chocolate cake, is a must to have in your collection. They are indeed “Joys that never weary.”